Careers and Training in Forensic Psychology - Essay Example

The field of forensic psychology represents a specialized body of knowledge in five key areas namely “(1) forensic psychological assessment; (2) treatment of individuals under court jurisdiction; (3) expert testimony; (4) consultation; and (5) research and evaluation” (Otto et al., 2000, p. 218). Most careers in forensic psychology span across these core areas, implying that forensic psychologists work in diverse environments that include government agencies such as prisons and courts, private sector enterprises such as law firms, research, and academic arenas, as well as treatment and counseling domains (Schreider, 2014).

Specifically, duly qualified and credentialed forensic psychologists work under the court system to provide psychological evaluations or assessments aimed at helping the jury decide the mental state of an offender during the commission of a crime, his or her competency to stand trial, as well as prospects or risks of reoffending (Thomas, 2012). Additionally, forensic psychologists can find jobs as psychotherapists for persons involved in the legal system (e.g., prisoners, victims of crime, probationers, and people who have been court-ordered to receive therapy), expert testimony witnesses in criminal or civil proceedings, criminal profilers, evaluative and applied research professionals, training designers, and implementers, as well as policy and organizational consultants (Ireland, 2009).

In the criminal justice system, forensic psychologists may find careers as experts in appraising offender “behaviors such as malingering, confession, practicing deception, or acting suicidal” (Ramsland, 2009, p. 47). All these career opportunities serve to reinforce the fact that forensic psychology is a diverse discipline that needs specialized qualifications. Training Although there are different pathways to becoming a forensic psychologist, available literature demonstrates that most forensic psychology practitioners are clinicians with a specialization in forensic issues (Ramsland, 2009).

While the basis for becoming a forensic psychologist is often predicated upon having an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in forensic or clinical psychology, most professionals are required to undergo further training in law, workings, and expectations of the court, investigative and psychological assessment, and criminal profiling (Gaensslen, 2003; Soothil, 2010). Master’s level students of forensic psychology are often required to undergo specialized training in four core areas, namely “conducting interventions, assessments, and evaluations with clients; applied research; supporting and advising other professionals; and training” (Ireland, 2009, p. 538). They are also expected to complete an appropriate clinical internship and receive certification in forensic psychology from relevant specialty boards.

Predoctoral training in joint degree programs (J.D. – Ph.D.) and specialty programs (Ph.D.) is an added advantage in that, while joint degree programs are able to train lawyer-psychologists who can address issues concerned with the interface area of law and psychology, specialty programs are effective in offering specialty coursework, practicum, and research experiences in a manner that will provide learners with extensive exposure to forensic issues (Otto et al., 2000; Soothil, 2010). Conclusion This paper has undertaken an extensive evaluation of available careers and training requirements in forensic psychology.

Drawing from this evaluation and discussion, it can be concluded that forensic psychology is a highly specialized discipline that requires extensive training to be able to reap the full benefits of available career opportunities.